Vacuum cleaner head with agitator elements and ribs

Abstract

A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a housing defining a suction chamber including an outlet, and an agitator element mounted to the housing for rotation about a first axis such that the agitator includes a free first end and a second end. The housing comprises at least one rib extending within the housing along a helical, helical or angled path, the rib contacting the agitator element such that, in use, as the agitator element rotates, hair picked up by the agitator element moves axially through the at least one rib towards the first end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner comprising such a cleaner head. Background Art

[0002] The vacuum cleaner may have a separate or integrated cleaner head comprising a housing having an agitator element such as a roller which comes into contact with the floor during operation of the vacuum cleaner.

[0003] A vacuum cleaner typically includes a main body including a dirt and dust separation device, a cleaner head connected to the main body and having a suction opening, and a motor-driven fan unit for passing dirt-laden air through the opening and the cleaner head into the vacuum cleaner main body. The suction opening is downward, facing the floor surface to be cleaned. The dirt-laden air is conveyed to the separation device so that dirt and dust are separated from the air before the air is discharged into the atmosphere. The separation device may include one or more of a filter, a filter bag and / or a cyclone device.

[0004] A driven agitator element may be mounted for rotation within the suction chamber of the cleaner head. The rotation of the agitator element may be driven by an electric motor powered by a power source from the vacuum cleaner body. The agitator element sweeps dust towards the suction opening of the cleaner head. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, the cleaner head comprising:

[0006] a housing defining a suction chamber including an outlet; and

[0007] an agitator element mounted to the housing for rotation about a first axis such that the agitator element includes a free first end, and a second end;

[0008] Wherein the housing comprises at least one rib extending within the housing along a helical, spiral or angled path, the rib contacting the agitator element so that in use, as the agitator element rotates, hair picked up by the agitator element is moved axially towards the first end through the at least one rib.

[0009] The rib(s) move the hair in the direction of the free first end and may tend to reduce the amount of hair that becomes tangled on the agitator element and simplify removal of the hair.

[0010] At least one rib may comprise a contact surface on the side of the rib facing the first end, which contact surface is inclined at an angle of inclination greater than 90 degrees relative to the outer surface of the agitator element. This may encourage the hair to break away from the outer surface (or at least not sink further into the outer surface).

[0011] The angle of inclination may vary along at least a portion of the length of the rib towards the first end. For example, the angle of inclination may increase along at least a portion of the length of the rib towards the first end. This may improve axial movement of the hair along the agitator. This is particularly true when the agitator element tapers towards the first end.

[0012] At least one rib may comprise a leading portion and a trailing portion relative to the direction of rotation of the agitator element, and the angle of inclination increases in the direction towards the trailing portion. At least one rib may be inclined towards the first end at an inclination angle along at least a portion of the length of the rib. For example, the angle of inclination may increase towards the first end along at least a portion of the length of the rib. This may improve axial movement of the hair along the agitator. This is particularly true when the agitator element tapers towards the first end.

[0013] The contact surface of at least one rib may include an acute corner in cross section for scraping hair off or along the agitator element. This may encourage the hair to break away from the outer surface (or at least not sink further into the outer surface).

[0014] At least one of the at least one rib may include a ramped leading portion. This may increase the effectiveness of the at least one rib by reducing the likelihood that hair picked up by the agitator element will get caught on the at least one rib.

[0015] The cleaner head may comprise a plurality of ribs wherein the ends of axially adjacent ribs axially overlap each other so that in use, hair picked up by the outer surface is moved axially from rib to rib as the agitator element rotates. The use of a plurality of ribs may allow the use of a shallower helix / spiral angle, thereby improving the axial movement of hair along the agitator element.

[0016] The agitator element may have a shape that tapers towards the first end in a direction along the first axis. This may improve axial movement of the hair along the agitator element while potentially making it easier for a user to remove hair from the free end.

[0017] The contact pressure between the at least one rib and the outer surface may increase as the first end is approached. This may improve the axial movement of the hair along the agitator. This is particularly true when the agitator element tapers towards the first end.

[0018] The cleaner head may comprise a plurality of ribs, wherein the ribs are spaced more closely axially towards the first end. This may improve axial movement of hair along the agitator. This is particularly true when the agitator element tapers towards the first end.

[0019] The ribs may overlap axially to a greater extent towards the first end. This may improve axial movement of the hair along the agitator. This is particularly true when the agitator element tapers towards the first end.

[0020] At least one rib may follow a helix of a single, constant angle pitch. This may make it easier to demould a housing element molded with the rib during manufacturing.

[0021] Alternatively, at least one rib may follow a varying angle relative to the housing. This may help to improve or optimize performance for a particular application.

[0022] The cleaner head may comprise a plurality of ribs, wherein at least one of the ribs follows a different angle relative to the housing. This may help to improve or optimise performance for a particular application.

[0023] The cleaner head may comprise a motor for rotating the agitator element in use.

[0024] The agitator element may comprise a textile covering. Optionally, the textile covering may comprise one or more of the following: fabric, felt, foam.

[0025] The agitator element may include bristles disposed on an outer surface.

[0026] The outer surface may be compressible. This may improve the ability of the rib(s) to capture hair and move it along the agitator element.

[0027] The distance that the at least one rib compresses the compressible material may increase as the first end is approached. This may improve the axial movement of the hair along the agitator. This is particularly true when the agitator element tapers towards the first end.

[0028] The cleaner head may comprise one or more further agitator elements.Alternatively, the axis of rotation of the agitator element and the one or more axes of rotation of the one or more further agitator elements may be arranged in a common plane.

[0029] The second end of the agitator element and one or more of the further agitator elements may be adjacent to each other.Alternatively, the first end of the agitator element and the first end of one or more of the further agitator elements may be adjacent to each other.

[0030] In a second aspect, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner head according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0031] Features described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Various aspects and embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one aspect;

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner head according to another aspect;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top perspective view of a vacuum cleaner head;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV, including a schematic diagram of the motor;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of a cover element of a vacuum cleaner head;

[0038] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Detailed view of the middle circled section;

[0039] Figure 7-9 yes Figure 4 Detailed view of the middle circled section;

[0040] Fig.10 yes Figure 2 A partial perspective front view of a vacuum cleaner head;

[0041] Figures 11 to 14 is an underside view of an alternative cover element for use with a vacuum cleaner head;

[0042] Fig.15 The rib spacing relative to the cover element is schematically shown;

[0043] Fig.16 Schematically shows Fig.15 A partial manufacturing process of a cover element; and

[0044] Fig.17 yes Figure 8 Detailed view of circled portion VIII showing various rib angles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 A handheld vacuum cleaner 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, comprising a main body 4, a wand 6 and a cleaner head 20. The main body 4 comprises: a separation system 10 in the form of a cyclonic separator; a motor and an impeller (not visible) arranged to draw air through the separation system 10; and a power source 12 in the form of a battery for powering the motor. The main body 4 has a handle 14 for a user to hold, and a clean air outlet 16 through which air passing through the separation system 10 is discharged. One end of the wand 6 is connected to the main body 4 and the other end is connected to the cleaner head 20. The wand 6 provides fluid communication between the cleaner head 20 and the separation system 10, and supports the cleaner head 20 during use.

[0046] Figure 2 A vacuum cleaner head 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The vacuum cleaner head 20 comprises a first agitator element 22 and a second agitator element 24. The first and second agitator elements 22, 24 are respectively mounted to rotate about their respective axes R1, R2 (eg Figure 4 26a, 26b, and a second end 28a, 28b at which the agitator elements 22, 24 are mounted to the cleaner head 20. Each agitator element has a shape that tapers toward the first end 26a, 26b in the direction of the rotation axis R1, R2. In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator elements 22, 24 are generally frustoconical. However, it should be understood that a portion of one or both of the agitator elements 22, 24 may not be tapered. For example, the shape of one or both of the agitator elements 22, 24 may include a combination of a cylindrical portion and a frustoconical portion, a cylindrical portion, or any other suitable cross-section.

[0047] refer to Figure 4 , the cleaner head 20 comprises a drive for driving 35 the agitator elements 22, 24 in rotation. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the invention, the drive comprises a motor 38 which is arranged to drive the first and second agitator elements 22, 24 in rotation. The motor 38 is partially disposed within the core of the agitator elements 22, 24.

[0048] The motor 38 includes an integrated transmission (not shown) in the form of a gearbox that reduces the angular rotation rate and outputs the drive of the motor via output shafts 52, 54, which are angled to be concentric with the rotational axis R1, R2 of the respective agitator element 22, 24. The output shaft 52 extends through the first agitator element 22 and supports the first end 26a of the first agitator element 22. The output shaft 54 ​​extends through the second agitator element 24 and supports the first end 26b of the second agitator element 24. In addition to transmitting torque from the motor 38 to the agitator elements 22, 24, the output shafts 52, 54 are actually the only support for the cantilevered agitator elements 22, 24.

[0049] In other embodiments, the output shaft may terminate at the second end of the agitator element, such that the agitator element supports itself in a cantilevered manner, while the first end is not connected to the output shaft.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, each of the agitator elements 22, 24 may have its own motor, optionally including an integrated transmission.

[0051] Alternatively, one or more motors may be provided external to the internally defined space of the agitator elements 22, 24, and drive may be provided from the motor(s) to the agitator elements 22, 24 by means of one or more drive shafts, connecting rods, gears, chains, pulleys or other transmission means. In such an embodiment, the agitator elements 22, 24 may be supported by, for example, a central hub (not shown) rather than a drive shaft. Alternatively, such a hub may form part of the drive transmission means, including providing support for one or more transmission components (such as drive shafts, connecting rods, gears, chains, pulleys, bearings, sprockets, etc.).

[0052] The first and second agitator elements 22, 24 are cantilevered at their respective second ends 28a, 28b from opposite sides of the motor 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 38 is in a laterally central position with respect to the overall cleaner head 20, but this is not always the case. For example, if the first and second agitator elements 22, 24 have different lengths, then the motor 38 (or any other hub from which the agitator elements are cantilevered in other embodiments) may be laterally offset relative to the laterally central portion of the cleaner head 20.

[0053] The cleaner head 20 has a housing 32 which at least partly defines a suction chamber including an outlet 34 for exhausting air and debris out of the vacuum cleaner 2. The suction chamber is bounded at the front by the agitator elements 22,24.

[0054] The housing 32 includes a side opening 36 adjacent the first end 26a, 26b of each agitator element 22, 24. The first ends 26a, 26b of the agitator elements 22, 24 may extend into or through the side opening 36. This enables the first ends 26a, 26b of the agitator elements 22, 24 to protrude beyond the footprint of the cleaner head housing 32, thereby providing greater agitation width and cleaning right up to the edges.

[0055] The outer (i.e., exterior) surface of the agitator element comprises a compressible material in the form of a felt-like covering 66. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the agitator element may have an outer surface comprising or covered with any suitable agitating material, which agitating material may optionally be resiliently compressible. The outer surface may comprise, for example, a textile covering. In this context, "textile" is used in its broadest sense to include any form of flexible material, including woven and non-woven fabrics, felt and / or foam, optionally combined in one or more layers. Alternatively or additionally, each agitator element may comprise bristles disposed on the outer surface.

[0056] The agitating material may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including natural or synthetic materials, composite materials including carbon fibers, and any suitable combination thereof.

[0057] exist Figures 4 to 9 In the embodiment shown, the felt covering 66 has a depth of approximately 6 mm, but any other suitable depth may be used depending on the embodiment.

[0058] Any suitable combination of regions of different materials may be applied to the outer side surface. For example, one or more strips (not shown) of relatively higher density, roughness and / or elastic material may be applied between strips of lower density, roughness and / or elastic material. Optionally, such strips may be wound in a spiral or helical manner along each agitator element 22, 24. The strips of relatively higher density, roughness and / or elastic material may optionally be narrower than the strips of relatively lower density, roughness and / or elastic material.

[0059] like Figure 4 As best shown in FIG. 1 , which is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cleaner head 20, each agitator element 22, 24 is arranged so that when the cleaner head 20 applies suction to a horizontal surface S to be cleaned (e.g., a hard floor), the axis R1, R2 at the first end 26a, 26b of each agitator element 22, 24 is located closer to the surface S than the axis R1, R2 at the second end 28a, 28b of each agitator element 22, 24. Thus, the agitator elements 22, 24 are effectively angled downward (e.g., tilted downward) toward the surface S to be cleaned by the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the downward angle of the agitator elements 22, 24 is such that when the cleaner head 20 applies suction to the horizontal surface S, the lowest portion of the outer surface of each agitator element 22, 24 is parallel to the horizontal surface S. In addition, there is substantially no gap between the lowest portions of the agitator elements 22, 24 at their second ends 28a, 28b, i.e., the lowest portions of the agitator elements 22, 24 touch at their second ends 28a, 28b. This means that the un-agitated area of ​​the surface S between the two agitator elements 22, 24 (i.e., Figure 4 The area marked “P” in the figure is very small (if any).

[0061] In this embodiment, the corresponding areas on the floor agitated by the two agitator elements are in contact with each other so that at any given time there is actually a single integral (elongated) area on the floor agitated by the cleaner head. Generally speaking, this condition (the lowest part of the agitator elements is parallel to the floor) will be achieved when the agitator elements 22, 24 are tilted downwardly at an angle α, which is equal to about half the cone angle of the frustoconical agitator elements 22, 24. The taper of the conical shape of the outer surface of each agitator element has a taper angle that is equal to half the cone angle, so in the embodiment shown, the taper angle is the same as the angle α at which the axis of the agitator element is tilted downwardly. In this embodiment, the angle α is approximately 7.5 degrees. Given that the outer surface of each agitator element may have a certain elasticity / deformability and that in practice the surface to be cleaned is rarely completely flat, it will be appreciated that the lowest portion does not need to be completely parallel to the horizontal surface of the agitator element in a strict mathematical sense in order to cause agitation of the surface to be cleaned along substantially the entire length of the outer surface of the element arranged to perform such agitation.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the agitator elements do not necessarily have to be tilted downwards at an angle corresponding to half the cone angle of the agitator elements. In embodiments, the agitator elements may have different lengths and / or different cone angles.

[0063] Thus, the first and second agitator elements may be tilted downwardly at different angles. In some embodiments, the cleaner head 20 comprises a base plate in which the suction opening is formed. The lowest portion of the outer surface of each agitator element may be parallel to the base plate.

[0064] Go to Figure 5 , which shows the interior of the cover elements 56 , 58 of the housing 32 . Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 Detailed view of the circled area in FIG. The inner profile of each of the cover elements 56 is generally frustoconical so as to be substantially complementary in shape to the outer surfaces of the first and second agitator elements 22, 24. Figure 2 As best shown, the cover element 56 partially covers upper regions of the first and second agitator elements 22 , 24 .

[0065] Back to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , a plurality of ribs 60 are arranged on the inner surface of the cover element 56. Each rib 60 follows a generally spiral path within the cover element 56. The ribs can have different lengths. For example, in Figures 4 to 9In some embodiments, the ribs closer to the side openings 36 extend nearly the entire width of the cover elements 56, 58, while the ribs farther from the side openings 36 span only a portion of that width. For example, the inner rib 70 on each cover element 56, 58, which is farthest from the side openings 36, extends from about the center to the edge of its corresponding cover element 56, 58. In some embodiments, this can reduce the amount of torque required to rotate the agitator elements 22, 24 against the ribs 60.

[0066] Figures 7 to 9 Shows Figure 4 Detailed view of the ribs 60 (indicated by reference numerals VII, VIII and IX, respectively) circled in FIG. 1. Each of the ribs 60 is inclined in cross section towards the first end 26a, 26b of its corresponding cover element 56. Each rib 60 includes a contact surface 68.

[0067] exist Figures 4 to 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the contact surface 68 of each rib 60 includes a rounded portion to reduce friction. The radius of such fillet can be selected as a compromise between reducing friction and increasing the effectiveness of the rib in use, as described in more detail below. In other embodiments, the contact surface can include a relatively sharp edge.

[0068] Each rib 60 includes a leading portion 62 and a trailing portion 63 of the slope. Figure 6 This reduces the chances of hair and other material becoming caught or otherwise trapped at the rib start point compared to if each rib had a sharp vertical start point. The ramped leading portion 62 also reduces friction as the first and second agitator elements 22, 24 rotate against the ribs 60 within their respective cover elements 56, 58 because the felt-like covering 66 is gradually compressed each time it encounters and moves over the ramped leading portion 62.

[0069] Each rib 60 is in contact with its adjacent agitator element 22, 24. As described above, the outer surface of the agitator elements 22, 24 includes a compressible felt-like covering 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 60 are formed of a relatively incompressible material, such as a polymer material. As such, the ribs 60 are slightly embedded in the outer surface of the felt-like covering 66, such as Figures 7 to 9 shown.

[0070] Fig.17 Angles that may be associated with the rib(s) in various embodiments are shown. Fig.17 and Figure 7 The detailed view VII shown corresponds. The contact surface 68 faces (at least obliquely) the first end 26a. The contact surface 68 contacts the outer surface of the agitator element 22 (in this case the felt-like covering 66) at an oblique angle γ (line 92 is parallel to the outer surface of the agitator element 22).

[0071] The angle γ can remain consistent along the entire length of the rib 60. Alternatively, the angle γ can vary along at least a portion of the length of the rib 60 toward the first end 26a. For example, the angle γ can increase along at least a portion of the rib length toward the first end 26a. In a particular embodiment, the angle γ can increase along the entire length of the rib 60, optionally excluding the ramped leading portion 62.

[0072] Fig.17 The rib 60 in the embodiment of the present invention is inclined toward the first end 26a at an inclination angle δ. The inclination angle δ can be defined as the angle between a centerline 94 (in cross section) passing through the rib 26 and a parallel line 92 of the outer surface of the agitator element 22. The inclination angle δ can remain consistent along the entire length of the rib 60. Alternatively, the inclination angle δ can vary along at least a portion of the length of the rib 60 toward the first end 26a. For example, the inclination angle δ can increase toward the first end 26a along at least some portion of the rib length. In a particular embodiment, the inclination angle δ can increase along the entire length of the rib 60, optionally excluding the leading portion 62 of the slope.

[0073] Fig.14 An example of an embodiment is shown where the angle of inclination γ and the angle of inclination δ vary along the length of the rib. Both the angle γ and the angle of inclination δ increase along the length of the rib 60. At the beginning of the rib 60, the angle γ and the angle of inclination δ are almost perpendicular to a parallel line to the outer surface of the agitator element, and increase along the length of the rib. These increasing angles can help the hair "peel" from the agitator element as it moves along the rib. This increases the chance that the hair will eventually break free from the felt-like covering 66 as it traverses the rib 60, allowing the hair to potentially become a more compact mass, making it easier to be moved by subsequent ribs.

[0074] Alternatively, the ribs closer to the side openings 36 may dig deeper into the outer surface of the felt-like covering 66. Figures 4 to 9 In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by having ribs 60 that become taller, becoming taller in cross-section as they approach the side opening 36, while the inner surface of the cover member 56, 58 from which the ribs 60 extend maintains a relatively constant distance from the outer surface of the felt-like covering 66. In other embodiments, similar results may be achieved by maintaining the same rib height, but having the distance between the outer surface of the first and second agitator elements 22, 24 and the surface from which the ribs extend decrease as they approach the side opening 36. Any suitable combination of such approaches may also be employed.

[0075] Alternatively, the pressure applied by the ribs 60 to the agitator element may vary along the length of the ribs.

[0076] Varying the depth to which the ribs dig into the felt-like covering and / or increasing the pressure near the first ends 26a, 26b may improve the way in which the hair is moved along the agitator element. Applicants do not wish to be bound by any particular theory, but believe that this may be due to the fact that the agitator element requires greater rib depth / pressure where its radius is smaller, and that, in fact, as the radius decreases along the length of the agitator element, this increased depth / pressure is more easily achieved due to the reduced torque required.

[0077] The ribs 60 are spaced axially (relative to the axis of rotation of the agitator elements 22, 24) along the inner surface of the cover elements 56, 58. To ensure that hair passes from rib to rib when the cleaner head 20 is in use, the ends of axially adjacent ribs 60 overlap axially with each other. Figure 6 As shown, except for the outermost ribs, one end of each rib overlaps the other end of an adjacent rib, as shown by the dashed line 72, which is perpendicular to the axis of the respective agitator element 22. This ensures that in use, as the agitator elements 22, 24 rotate, the hair picked up by the agitator elements 22, 24 moves axially from rib to rib.

[0078] In use, the user turns on the cleaner 2. The motor and impeller (not shown) cause air to enter through the suction chamber and outlet 34 in a manner known to those skilled in the art, and then pass through the wand 6 and separation system 10. At the same time, the motor 38 is rotated along the Fig.10 The first and second agitator elements 22, 24 are driven in the directions indicated by the arrows 74 and 76. The rotating agitator elements 22, 24 agitate the floor surface in contact therewith. This agitation helps to lift material such as hair, dust and dirt from the floor, thereby increasing the amount of such material drawn into the vacuum cleaner 2 for capture within the separation system 10.

[0079] like Fig.10 As best shown, as the agitator elements 22, 24 rotate within their respective cover elements 56, 58, hair 90 picked up by one of the agitator elements 22, 24 will encounter the contact surface 68 of at least one of the ribs 60. The contact surface 68 of the ribs 60 grabs the hair 90 and scrapes it against the felt-like cover 66. As the agitator elements 22, 24 rotate relative to their respective cover elements 56, 58, the angle formed by the helical path of the ribs 60 tends to push the hair 90 axially along the surface of the agitator elements 22, 24 toward the first ends 26a, 26.

[0080] The angle γ of the contact surface 68 tends to cause the hair 90 to be lifted away from (or at least not sink further into) the felt-like covering 66 .

[0081] Because the first ends 26a, 26b are free (i.e., due to the cantilevered nature of the agitator element mounting), the user can pull the hair 90 that has moved along the agitator elements 22, 24 off the agitator elements 22, 24 when the vacuum cleaner is turned off. Figures 4 to 9 , the outermost ribs 60 extend to the outer ends of the cover elements 56, 58 adjacent the respective first ends 26a, 26b. This causes any hair 90 caught by the ribs 60 to pop out from between the cover elements 56, 58 and the respective agitator elements 22, 24 so that the user can more easily remove it.

[0082] Depending on the particular configuration, the hair 90 may actually be pushed completely away from the first end 26a, 26b by the action of the outermost ribs against the agitator elements 22, 24 without user interaction.

[0083] Especially when the captured hair is long or has multiple strands, the hair may become tangled and / or rolled into a complete or partial hair loop as it is moved axially along the agitators 22, 24 by the respective ribs 60. The loop may be picked up and discarded by the user, or the user may attempt to vacuum it away with the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0084] The ribs 60 moving the hair in the direction of the first ends 26a, 26b in this manner tend to reduce the amount of hair that becomes tangled around the agitator element and simplify removal of the hair.

[0085] Figures 4 to 9 The embodiment includes six ribs 60 per cover element 56, 58. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific number of ribs as well as their shape, length, angle, cross-section, and configuration may vary to suit a particular implementation.

[0086] For example, Fig.11 An embodiment is shown in which only a single rib 60 is used for each of the cover elements 56, 58. To ensure that hair can be picked up along the entire length of the agitator elements 22, 24, the rib 60 extends the entire width of the cover elements 56, 58. This results in the rib 60 being at a relatively shallow angle (relative to the axis of the agitator elements) with respect to the felt-like covering 66 of the agitator elements 22, 24. This can reduce the efficiency of the movement of hair along the rib 60, but the overall performance is also affected by several other factors, including the length of the agitator elements, the circumferential extent of the cover elements (and therefore the potential maximum length of the rib), the pressure of the rib on its corresponding agitator element, and other factors that will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0087] Fig.12 An embodiment is shown in which three ribs 60 are used for each of the cover elements 56, 58. Figures 4 to 9As in the embodiment of the present invention, the ends of adjacent ribs 60 overlap each other axially. Fig.11 The ribs 60 are at a steeper angle with respect to the felt-like covering 66 of the agitator elements 22 , 24 than the ribs 60 of the agitator elements.

[0088] Fig.13 An embodiment is shown in which six ribs 60 are used for each of the cover elements 56, 58. Figures 4 to 9 As in the embodiment of the present invention, the ends of adjacent ribs 60 overlap each other axially. It is worth noting that the ribs 60 are proportional to the felt-like covering 66 of the agitator elements 22, 24. Fig.12 The ribs in the Fig.13 In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the spacing of the ribs 60 decreases as the ribs approach the side opening 36. This has a similar effect to increasing the depth / pressure of the ribs 60 on the felt-like covering 66. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when variable spacing is used, the overlap between adjacent ribs may increase as they approach each other.

[0089] Although the ribs 60 in the previously described embodiments generally follow a spiral path, those skilled in the art will recognize that other angled paths that are not mathematically spiral may also be used. For example, the path of one or more ribs 60 may maintain a constant angle relative to, for example, the axis of the corresponding agitator element, or the angle may vary along part or all of the length of the rib. For example, the contact surface of one or more ribs may start at a first angle and have an angle that increases along the length of the rib. This allows the hair to move faster as it moves along the rib. This arrangement may at least partially explain the decrease in the axial distance traversed by each rib as the circumference of the agitator element decreases. Fig.14 An example of an embodiment is shown where the rib angle varies along its length.

[0090] In some embodiments, the or each rib follows a spiral having a single constant axial pitch along the length of the housing. An advantage of this is that if the cover element is made by moulding, the rib is part of the moulded cover element. The cover element can be removed from the moulding element by rotating the moulding element and the cover element relative to each other.

[0091] For example, Fig.15 An example of a cover element 80 having ribs 82 is schematically shown. Fig.15 The path of the ribs 82 in FIG. 8 is artificially extended to illustrate the principle. The ribs 82 follow a helix having a single, constant axial pitch. The ribs 82 are axially spaced a constant distance from each other, as indicated by arrows 84, but may have different spacings in other embodiments. Fig.16 As schematically shown, after molding is complete, the inner mold member 86 and the cover member 80 can effectively be "unscrewed" from each other.

[0092] Although the ribs 60, 82 are shown as being molded as part of their respective cover elements 56, 58, 80, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ribs may be provided in any other suitable form. For example, they may be overmolded with their cover elements, or mechanically and / or adhesively attached to their cover elements. The or each cover element may be machined to form the ribs. The ribs may be formed onto the cover elements using an additive manufacturing process, or the cover elements and ribs may be produced together.

[0093] Although various embodiments show each agitator having a separate cover, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a single cover may include ribs for more than one agitator element. Furthermore, the ribs may be provided on or in any suitable portion of the housing. For example, rather than being formed on the cover element, the ribs may be formed at least in part on an inner surface of the housing that does not form part of a separate cover element.

[0094] Although the described embodiment uses a pair of agitator elements 22, 24 and corresponding cover elements 56, 58, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of agitator elements may be greater or less than this number. For example, a single agitator element may be used. Alternatively, two or more pairs of agitator elements may be used, which may be identical or different from each other.

[0095] Furthermore, the described embodiment employs tapered (i.e. frustoconical) agitator elements 22, 24. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cross-sectional shape of the agitator element(s) may take any other suitable form. For example, the or each agitator element may be cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or may vary in cross-sectional diameter along its length in any other manner. That is, the use of tapered agitator elements has the additional advantage that as the hair moves along the agitator element via the ribs, the diameter decreases, thereby facilitating the release of the hair from the outer surface of the agitator element.

[0096] The or each rib may optionally be in continuous contact with the outer surface of its corresponding agitator element along substantially the entire length of the rib, except for any tapered in and / or out portions at either end of the rib.

[0097] When terms such as "helical" and "spiral" are used, those skilled in the art will understand that these are referring to general shapes rather than any strict mathematical definitions associated with these terms. For example, the angle of the or each rib may follow any suitable angular path within the housing 32, including a path where the angle changes, but still be generally "helical" or "spiral".

[0098] When reference is made in the foregoing description to equivalents or elements that are known, obvious or foreseeable, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if set forth separately. The true scope of the present disclosure should be determined by reference to the claims, which should be interpreted as covering any such equivalents. The reader should also understand that the entirety or features of the present disclosure that are described as preferred, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. In addition, it should be understood that these optional entireties or features, while they may have benefits in some embodiments of the present disclosure, may not be ideal in other embodiments and therefore may not exist.

Claims

1. A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, the cleaner head comprising: a housing defining a suction chamber including an outlet; as well as an agitator element mounted to the housing for rotation about a first axis such that the agitator element includes a free first end, and a second end; Wherein the housing comprises at least one rib extending within the housing along a helical, spiral or angled path, the rib contacting the agitator element so that in use, as the agitator element rotates, hair picked up by the agitator element is moved axially towards the first end through the at least one rib.

2. The cleaner head according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rib comprises a contact surface on a side of the rib facing the first end, the contact surface being inclined at an inclination angle greater than 90 degrees relative to an outer surface of the agitator element.

3. A cleaner head according to claim 2, wherein the angle of inclination varies along at least a part of the length of the rib.

4. A cleaner head according to claim 3, wherein the rib comprises a leading portion and a trailing portion relative to the direction of rotation of the agitator element, and the inclination angle increases in a direction towards the trailing portion.

5. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one rib is inclined towards the first end at an oblique angle along at least a part of the length of the rib.

6. A cleaner head as claimed in claim 5, wherein the angle of inclination varies along at least a part of the length of the rib.

7. A cleaner head according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the contact surface of the at least one rib comprises, in cross-section, acute corners for scraping hair from or along the agitator element.

8. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the ribs comprises a ramped leading portion.

9. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a plurality of said ribs, wherein the ends of adjacent ribs overlap each other so that, in use, hair picked up by the agitator element moves from rib to rib as the agitator element rotates.

10. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the agitator element has a shape which tapers towards the first end in a direction along the first axis.

11. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the contact pressure between the at least one rib and the outer surface increases closer to the first end.

12. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of said ribs, wherein the ribs are more closely spaced axially towards the first end.

13. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ribs overlap axially to a greater extent towards the first end.

14. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one rib follows a helix of a single, constant axial pitch.

15. A cleaner head as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one rib follows a varying angle relative to the housing.

16. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a motor for rotating the agitator element in use.

17. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the agitator element comprises a textile covering.

18. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the agitator element comprises bristles provided on the outer surface.

19. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outer surface is resiliently compressible.

20. A cleaner head as claimed in claim 19, wherein the distance over which the at least one rib compresses the resiliently compressible material increases as one approaches the first end.

21. A cleaner head as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a further agitator element, wherein the axes of rotation of the agitator element and the further agitator element are arranged in a common plane.

22. A cleaner head as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the second ends of the agitator element and the further agitator element are adjacent each other.

23. A vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner head according to any preceding claim.

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